Lisbon to host ARE Energy Access Investment Forum

Press Release

Lisbon, 15 March 2017 – The Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), in partnership with Energias de Portugal (EDP) and the Africa-EU Renewable Energy Cooperation Programme (RECP), is delighted to welcome over 200 participants to the ARE Energy Access Investment Forum in Lisbon, Portugal from 22-23 March 2017.

With a diverse programme, the ARE Energy Access Investment Summit on 22 March 2017 aims to deepen participants' understanding of policy and finance trends for existing and upcoming rural electrification business and engagement opportunities in developing and emerging markets. It also helps participants to understand the financial and technical support tools available for project developers and how to take advantage of them. With representatives from the international and European public and private sector, high-level institutions as well as investors, financiers and technical support providers, the Summit is a unique networking opportunity for companies, public institutions and NGOs working in off-grid renewable energy markets.

The B2B Off-grid Matchmaking on 23 March 2017 will also feature presentations from selected African off-grid markets, including a presentation of key initiatives from the African Development Bank to boost rural electrification projects and tear down remaining barriers. During the afternoon, through face-to-face B2B and B2Finance meetings, participants are offered the chance to meet their next business partner or financier and to advance existing projects at different stages of maturity. Furthermore, as a result of a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between ARE and the Vlerick Business School, Vlerick students will offer free consulting to six pre-selected companies in parallel with the B2B.

Finally, the Forum will celebrate the energy access work done and results achieved by the most passionate and innovative players through the ARE Awards 2017 and the Young Leaders in Energy Access Awards – an initiative of the Energy Access work stream of the Africa-EU Energy Partnership.